Hong Kong: Windows break for Filipino domestic workers

From Saturday, Oct 1, all new contracts with Filipino domestic workers will state that they will not clean the exterior of windows under a unilateral move by the Philippine secretary for labour and employment - a move in response to workers' calls after at least four deaths this year.

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From Saturday, Oct 1, all new contracts with Filipino domestic workers will state that they will not clean the exterior of windows under a unilateral move by the Philippine secretary for labor and employment.

The move is in response to workers' calls after at least four deaths this year.

The Philippine consulate and labor attache in Hong Kong issued a notice to all accredited employment agencies in the SAR at the beginning of the month to inform employers and businesses on the new condition, after a directive' from the Philippine labor secretary.

Support Group for Hong Kong Employers with Foreign Domestic Helpers wrote in the letter: "The foreign domestic helpers will only clean the interior but not the exterior of the window, doing just half of their work. This term is impractical and unreasonable."

The letter also said it is reasonable for employers to be responsible for occupational safety but training should also be strengthened to increase domestic workers' awareness of safety and techniques.

Shiella Estrada, secretary of the Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Union, said her group welcomes the Philippine government's decision as she said some domestic workers have fallen to death cleaning the exterior of windows.

"The buildings are high-rises and it should be the job of building management," Estrada said. She hopes other countries that send domestic workers abroad will follow suit.